Five books for children who write
The summer writing boot camp for children between the ages of 7-14, The Treasured Writers, has turned an important corner in its journey this year. TTW is ten (10) years old. When it started in 2007, we had no idea that it will continue in its stride for a whole decade, all we wanted to […]
The summer writing boot camp for children between the ages of 7-14, The Treasured Writers, has turned an important corner in its journey this year. TTW is ten (10) years old. When it started in 2007, we had no idea that it will continue in its stride for a whole decade, all we wanted to do was give children a one-week summer time of learning while having the fun of their lives. We have largely succeeded with top resource persons like leading actress, Kate Henshaw, Commonwealth Literature Prize winner Tricia Nwaubani, award winning literary journalist, Henry Akubuiro, celebrated cartoonist, Obe-ess, former Editor of Sunday Trust Newspaper and author, Theophilus Abah, NLNG shortlisted writers, Diego Okonyedo and Chinyere Obi-Obasi, cerebral architect, Kingsley Aduaka, Caine prize shortlisted writer Elnathan John and NLNG 2017 literary prize winner Abubakar Ibrahim among other writers. Teaching leadership to the children have been Dr Otive Igbuzor, president, Centre for Leadership and Dr Kole Shettimma, Regional Director MacArthur foundation. All of our resource persons have brought great joy to the children. Over the years, the children have learnt the power of the word, the power of description, leadership lessons, painting, comedy and acting. In one week, we become each other’s keepers, we share, we learn together and we eat together.
I started writing when I was seven years old and my father encouraged me. This has defined my achievements in life and my numerous successes. Writing is a powerful tool which every child must engage with as is reading which opens the mind and gives us the opportunity to travel. This year’s edition has as its theme Travel and Adventure and Denja Abdullahi, President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and respected poet is our guest Author. Starting on Monday the 31st of July for one week with a party on Saturday, the 5th of August, it promises to be a blast. Hosting the TTW this year is El Amin International School, Maitama, Abuja.
As usual I will be there to receive all the children and to celebrate that child of yours who scribbles, draws, and paints as a means of self-expression.
Never forget that a writer is a leader and a reading child will certainly win all the writing competitions and also write well.